VERSES FOR 
VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



BY 

Mary Christina Austin 

Editor North American Teacher 



ILLUSTRATED BY 

Harriet O'Brien 



BOSTON: 
THE N. A. T. PUBLISHING COMPANY 






Copyright August, 1922 

Mary Christina Austin 



SEP 16 '22 



©aA<i8a246 



CONTENTS 








For God and Country .... 7 


The Master and the Teacher 




9 


Thanksgiving Eve 




II 


Christmas Eve 






13 


The New Year 






15 


Washington . 






17 


St. Joseph 






19 


The Patriot . 






21 


The Queen of Heaven . 






23 


The Sacred Heart of Jesus 






25 


A Christmas Wish 






27 


Our Country's Call 






29 


Billy .... 






31 


Time's Natal Day . 






33 


The Teacher 






35 


Columbus 






37 


A Nun's Reply 






39 


The Teacher's Art 






41 


A Nun's Resolution 






43 


The Annunciation 






45 


Mary .... 






47 


Lexington and Concord 






49 


2 









VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



St. Joan of Arc . 








51 


A Spiritual Retreat 








53 


A Word to Teachers 








55 


Charlie . . . . 








57 


Evacuation Day . 








59 


Decoration Day 








61 


Bunker Hill 








63 


The Ideal Teacher 








65 


Penitential Thoughts 








67 


The Teacher's Prayer 








69 


A Woodland Shrine 








71 


Faithful unto Death 








73 


A Day in June 








75 


Calvary 








77 


Sorrow Changes to Joy 








79 



YERfiER FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



PREFACE 

After repeated requests from numerous 
teachers, I have consented to publish in 
book form the following verses which 
have appeared in The North American 
Teacher during the past three or four 
years. 

If these verses will serve in any way 
to promote the cause of God and of 
country, my most sanguine hopes will 
be realized. 

— M.C.A. 




A Catholic School 



YERSE8 FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



FOR GOD AND COUNTRY 

Guarding the emblem of Christian salvation, 
Liberty's banner in triumph doth wave, 

Shov^ing the minions of intoleration 

Justice presides in the Land of the Brave. 

Freemen have rights that shall live through the 
ages 
Where these two emblems of happiness 
dwell ; 
Calvary's Cross thrills both children and sages ; 
Liberty's ensign sounds Tyranny's knell. 

Long may these lights of our fond veneration 
Brighten the pathway of Freedom's domain : 

Long may the Cross and the Flag of our nation 
Harbor all men under Liberty's reign ! 




SEPaiox ON THE Mount (Hofmann) 
8 



VB^Rf^ES FOR VARIOUS OCCAf^ION^ 



THE MASTER AND THE TEACHER 

Upon yon verdant mound, behold the Master 

stands 
Amid the circHng throng — the sons of many 

lands. 
The magic of His words — their potency, their 

grace — 
Thrills every human heart within that hallowed 

place. 

E'en as the Master mild, the zealous teacher 

stands 
To mold the growing mind, to train both heart 

and hands. 
She leads each tender soul with true maternal 

grace 
Along the devious paths which knowledge doth 

embrace. 




10 



Vl^RSES FOR VARIOUS 0CCA8I02^8 



THANKSGIVING EVE 

The evening shades are drawing nigh 

The wind is keen and cold ; 
The flocks that grazed upon the plain 

Are safe within the fold. 

Around the joyous, happy hearth 

The children meet once more, 
To praise and thank the Lord of love 

For His abundant store. 

For favors showered upon this world. 
Warm hearts in prayer they raise : 

They fill the atmosphere of heaven 
With canticles of praise. 

Thrice-blest the home wherein this feast 

Is kept with old accord : 
Thrice-blest the land where brave hearts kneel 

To thank our gracious Lord. 



11 




Apparition of the Shepherds (PlockJiorst) 
12 



VERSE 8 FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



CHRISTMAS EVE 

While Night with her purple mantle 
Cast a pall on the silent Earth, 

A light from the heavenly mansion 

Shone forth at the Saviour's birth. 

And the angels in heaven chanted 

Their anthems of peace and good-will, 

As the faithful shepherds hastened 
Their vows of love to fulfil. 

They feasted their eyes on the Saviour, 
As He lay in the manger mild, 

And they offered their hearts so tender 
To Mary's immaculate Child. 

With the sterling faith of the shepherds, 
When they heard the angelic song, 

Let us offer the new-born Saviour 
A love everlasting and strong ! 



13 




Thinking of the New Year 



14 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



thl: new year 

As 1 stand at the brink of the coming year, 
And look back on the year gone by, 

A current of thought doth illumine my mind, 
Like a star in yon darkling sky. 

I can see the dim Past as if yesterday: 
The deeds that have fretted my life 

Are so pictured with all their vivid appeal 
That they fill my faint heart with strife. 

But away with the thoughts of the days now past ! 

Let the mercy of (jod appear ; 
Let me think of the Future's eternal joy, 

And the bliss that I fain were here! 

O the promising days of the coming year ! 

May they gladden our hearts so true ; 
May they plenish our souls with the love of God, 

fJringing heavenly peace anew ! 



15 




Washington (Faed) 
16 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

WASHINCrrON 

Brave scion of a noble race, 

Endowed with Nature's strength and grace, 

With pride we think of thee. 
Thy hands were raised in Freedom's cause, 
To crush the Tyrant's unjust laws 
And give us liberty. 

i 

Great leader of that wanpor band 
That thrust the Tyrant from our land. 

With joy we honor thee. 
Thy name shall live in History's page 
To thrill brave men of every age 

Who seek fair Liberty. 

The teeming fields, the forest glades, 
The peaceful bowers, the sylvan shades. 

Proclaim thy victory. 
A noble land where brave men dwell 
Inspired by Freedom's magic spell, 

Thy monument shall be. 
¥1 







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^.^jji^^w'^^I^^^^H 



Repose in Egypt (PlockTiorst) 



18 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



SAINT JOSEPH 

Pure as the snowflakes that cover the mountain, 
Fair as the Hly that floats on the stream, 

Meek as the white dove that sips at the fountain, 
Joseph appears in the bright morning beam. 

Gaze on his visage so strongly appeahng; 

Note the expression so heavenly fair; 
See our dear Patron in ecstasy kneehng; 

List, O my child, to the theme of his prayer. 

"Father in heaven, I humbly implore Thee, 
Pity Thy children so sorely opprest; 

Give them the wisdom to love and adore Thee, 
Lead them in time to Thy mansions of rest." 



19 




The Spirit of '76 (Willard) 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE PATRIOT 

A heart that is constantly burning, 

A fervor that never grov^rs cold, 
A love ever generous and yearning, 
Are found in the patriot's mold. 

With courage he marches to battle, 

And enters the dank field of strife; 

For the sake of his country and honor 
He willingly offers his life. 

In peace, he is ever devoted 

To the high cause of justice and truth ; 
The fire of his youthful emotion 

Inspires the less militant youth. 

Then honor the patriot's devotion, 

And praise him with undying breath ; 

Inspired by his noble example, 

March onward to victory or death ! 



21 




The Madonna at Prater (Sassof&rrato) 
22 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE QUEEN OE HEAVEN 

Fairest handmaid of the Lord, 
Fashioned after Heaven's accord, 
Meeker than the snow-white dove. 
Brimming o'er with God's pure love ! 

Would I were a song-bird free 
Caroling in ecstasy, 
I should hymn a fitting lay 
To the spotless Queen of May. 

Every note that I should sing 
Would to thee great pleasance bring, 
And 'twould touch with magic art 
The nerve-strings of the Sacred Heart. 

When I leave this vale of tears 
Fraught with discontent and fears, 
Virgin fair, be thou my guide. 
Lead me to the Saviour's side. 



23 




Praying to the Sacred Heart 



24 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS 

Thrice-generous font of love divine, 
Thy brilHant beauties far outshine 

Fair Nature's bower. 
Within Thy Heart no Hmits dwell; 
No living words can ever tell 

Thy wondrous power. 

Ah, how that Heart has bled for me, 
Amid the hills of Calvary 

At day's decline ! 
My heart in humble rapture burns, 
Awed by Thy sacrifice, and yearns 

For things divine. 

Within the bounds of Thy pure Heart 
There let me rest in peace, apart 

From worldly strife; 
Till Time proclaims Life's setting sun. 
And God reveals the deeds well done 

In mortal life. 

25 




Before the Crib 
26 



VER8E8 FOR VAUiOVS OCCASIONS 



A CHRISTMAS WISH 

Oh, take me in fancy to Judah's plain ! 

Let me dream of the long ago, 
When the shepherds tended their timorous flocks 

By the moonlight so pale and low. 

Let me listen enthralled to angel choirs 
As they chant their paeans of praise, 

While Jesus of Nazareth visits the earth 
To brighten and gladden our days. 

Let me hasten this eve to the manger crib 
That cradles the Infant so fair; 

Let me voice the love of a grateful heart 
With an ardent and fervent prayer. 

For thus will my soul overflow with joy, 
And my thoughts to heaven arise : 

Let me vow to follow the Master's path 
Till I meet Him in Paradise! 



27 




The Draft of 1917 



28 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



OUR COUNTRY'S CALL* 

Lovers of Freedom, awake from base slmnber; 
List to the clanging of Tyranny's chains: 
Liberty calls you to follow her standard; 
Base is the ingrate who fears or refrains. 

Gaze on yon banner with ardent devotion; 
Know that it shelters the brave and the free; 
Does it not stand for the voice of the people? 
Does it not lend inspiration to thee ? 

Better to breathe the pure air of a freeman ; 
Better to fight for our God and our fanes ; 
Better to die in defense of Old Glory ; 
Better, far better, than Slavery's chains. 

Go forth to battle, your hearts steeled with ardor ; 
Fight for your homes and the land of your birth ; 
Fling to the dust the opponents of Freedom, 
Drive out oppression, bring God's peace to earth ! 



♦The Draft of 1917. 

2d 




William Francis Hickey (Jordon) 



3Q 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



BILLY 

Sweet little chap with eyes of blue, 
The love of my heart goes out to you. 
You make me think of the days gone by 
When tiny as you are now was I. 

Does teacher make you toe the line? 
And do you go to class at nine? 
Or does she keep you after school 
To learn by heart some crazy rule? 

"She keeps us busy with lots of things : 
She smiles, she talks, she laughs, she sings. 
She tells us stories of other boys 
Who worked and played with wondrous 
toys." 

Dear little chap with eyes of blue, 
I am so glad that she's kind to you. 
Study for her — learn all you can, — 
You will be glad when you are a man. 

Jl 




iNew Year's Chimes (Blashfield) 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



TIME'S NATAL DAY 

The blare of trumpets rends the air, 
And sweet bells peal and play, 

When Father Time in merry mood 
Proclaims his natal day. 

He comes, the harbinger of peace, 
Atwixt the night and day. 

To bid mankind the joys of Christ 
The Life, the Truth, the Way. 

Let Gratitude command our hearts ; 

Let Faith inspire our will ; 
Let Music roll from soul to soul ; 

Let Prayer the heavens fill ! 




A Teacher and Her Class 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE TEACHER 

O what a store of magic power 
Lies dormant in each child, 

Till wakened by the teacher's voice, 
So potent, kind and mild ! 

Thrice-blessed her unselfish work ! 

There's nothing in Life's span 
That's greater than the power she wields 

In educating man. 

Perform thy noble mission well ! 

Let Love e'er guide thy heart ! 
Then yearning minds will grow apace 

In Science and in Art. 



35 




Columbus {Perry Pictures) 
36 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

COLUMBUS 

Hail to Columbus, a genius so rare, 

Whose action was prefaced by purposeful 

prayer. 
Praise the brave seaman who brought to our 

shore 
Tidings of Jesus, true Light evermore. 

Faith was the virtue that gave to his thought 
Power to inspire the fair queen whom he sought. 
Hope was the spirit commanding his heart ; 
Love was the beacon that lighted his chart. 

His was the voice that encouraged his crew 
To plough the deep, perilous caverns of blue. 
His was the spirit that filled with good cheer 
The hearts of his men who had yielded to fear. 

P>rave of the bravest, a genius so true ! 
When shall we duly appreciate you? 
Years have rolled by since you came to our land, 
Yet Time hasn't given the Fame you demand. 
37 




A Heart to Heart Conference 
38 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



A NUN'S REPLY 

"Why dost thou toil so zealously 
And never seem to tire? 

Why is thy heart aflame with love? 
What is thy soul's desire?" 

"Ah ! I have wed a sacred cause ; 

I need no master's rod ; 
My inmost heart's desire is this : 

To do the will of God.' 

"I see in every little one 

A child almost divine, 
And strive to form his growing mind 

Unto the Lord's design." 

"O noble nun! thy deeds shall be 

A monument sublitrci 
In God's eternal home of bliss 

Through never-ending time.'' 



39 




The Nobleness of Teaching 
40 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE TEACHER'S ART 

The sculptor may chisel cold marble 
With genius surpassingly rare: 

The painter may feature his canvas 
With beauty exquisitely fair. 

But what are all these arts to teaching 
That illumines the depths of a soul, 

That arouses the mind into action. 

That leads us to God's highest goal ! 

Strive on in your noble profession, 

Ye teachers of childhood and youth ; 

May the Master from Nazareth guide you 
In teaching the Way and the Truth ! 



41 




im^mmm^ 




Making a Resolution 
42 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

A NUN'S RESOLUTION 

'Mid the stillness of the chapel 

As the Old Year neared its end, 

I was thinking of the Saviour 

Who for me His life did spend. 

Then a light from heaven illumined 
The dark path which Jesus trod, 

And I felt a heavenly impulse 
To draw nearer to my God. 

So I formed a resolution, 

One that means continual strife, 
'T will follow Thee, dear Jesus, 

Every moment of my life. 

'T will labor in Thy vineyard 

Till I hear Thy welcome call, 

'Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
Rest within the Banquet Hall.' " 



43 




Ttte Annunciatiox {Bouguereau) 



VERSED FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE ANNUNCIATION 

In Nazareth of Galilee, 

Built on a mountain's breast, 
An angel to a Virgin came 

With tidings doubly blest. 

"Fear not, O Mary, full of grace, 
The message that I bring: 

By power divine thou shalt conceive 
Jesus, the new-born King.'' 

"But how can this e'er come to pass?" 

Inquired Judea's maid. 
"The power of God is infinite ; 

Ah, be ye not afraid !" 

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord," 
Exclaimed the A^irgin mild. 

Then Jesus Christ incarnate came 
To Mary undefiled. 



45 




Mary Edna Hickey {Jordon) 
46 



V ERASES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



MARY 

Golden locks and eyes of blue, 
Happy smile and love so true, 
Winsome ways that ne'er depart, 
She's the sunshine of my heart. 

Full of life and fair to view, 
Handsome face and dimples, too; 
When she plays just like a boy. 
She's a precious mine of joy. 

She's so lively when at school, 
Sometimes even breaks the rule ; 
Smooths away the teacher's frown, 
When she makes things upside down. 

Still withal she's so polite. 
Always tries to do what's right. 
If this charming child you knew, 
You would love her as I do. 



47 




iiiinMI 






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yy^^£ 



The Minute Max {French) 
48 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD* 

Thrice-hallowed spots, where freemen fell 
Amid the blaze of shot and shell, 

Your glory ne'er shall fade. 
Your sons went forth in chivalry 
To light the torch of Liberty 

With spirits undismayed. 

We honor this devoted band 

Who gave their lives for their loved land 

That Freedom should prevail. 
Such deeds of glory thrill the heart 
And say, "Go thou, and do thy part. 

Know no such word as fail !" 

The memory of these Minute Men 
Shall ever live in freemen's ken 

Till Time shall be no more. 
God fill our land with patriots true 
Who'll risk their lives and fortunes, too. 

Like these brave men of yore! 



♦April 19, 1775. 

49 




St. Joan of Arc (Ingres) 
&0 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



SAINT JOAN OF ARC 

Fair saint of France! Thy tragic death 

Has forced the trembHng hand of Time 

To spread on History's vivid page 
The record of a life subHme. 

Thy love for thy fair motherland 
Led thee to offer thy young life 

Unto that prince who led the French 

Amid the wrack of War's dread strife. 

When Victory crowned thy efforts grand, 
When Failure made the Briton quake, 

Base, envious men with perjured lips 

Condemned thee, martyred, to the stake. 

Yet now our hearts with joy are filled. 

For Truth has brought thee deathless fame, 

And Christ the Lord has placed His seal 
Upon thy ever-glorious name. 



51 




Deep Meditation 
52. 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



SPIRITUAL RETREAT 

I've visited Calvary's Mount 

And followed the way Jesus trod : 
I've pictured the Passion of Christ 

To draw my soul nearer to God. 

I've thought of His marvelous love, 
The wondrous effect of His grace ; 

I've garnered my mind with ideas 
That Satan can never efface. 

I feel like a warrior of old 

Inspired by Jehovah above; 

My heart is abundantly stored 

With promptings of heavenly love. 



53 




Layixg Down the Law 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



A WORD TO TEACHERS 

List unto me, ye master-minds 

Whose deeds are crowned with victory, 
Wliat is the aim of all thy work? 

Does it build for eternity? 

Dost thou develop fine physique 

To do and dare a patriot's part? 

Dost thou arouse the dormant mind 

That opens wide the yearning heart? 

O dost thou cultivate the soul 

That gives to man his destiny? 

And do thy thoughts responsive strike 
A chord that sings for verity? 

Yea, thou hast trained these youthful minds 
With genius ever wise and sage : 

And all too soon the hands of Time 

Shall trace thy deeds on History's page. 



55 




Charles Anthony Austin (Bachrach) 
56 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

CHARLIE 

A winsome boy 

Brimming with joy 
Has won this heart of mine. 

His ways so wise, 

His sparkHng eyes, 
Seem Hke a thing divine. 

His love so true 

Doth oft renew 
The joys that fill the day. 

His winning smile 

Bereft of guile 
Doth drive dull care away. 

I love to see 

In childish glee 
This really charming boy, 

Who brings to me 

Love's ecstasy, — 
A gift without alloy. 

57 




The Evacuatiox of Boston 

58 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



EVACUATION DAY 
March 17 

Ml hail the day when Briton's hosts 

A^ere forced to leave brave Boston's coasts : 

A^hen all the power of selfish Might 

rould not withstand the arms of Right. 

rhat was a proud and glorious day 

A^hich brought to naught the Tyrant's sway ; 

,Vhich fanned the flame of liberty 

n hearts that throbbed with chivalry. 

jive honor to that patriot band 
^Vhose love of home and native land 
hall live for aye in History's page 
o be our glorious heritage. 



59 




Remembering the Dead 



VER8E8 FOR YARIOUS OCCASIONS 

DECORATION DAY 

The heroes who have fought and died ^ 
To stem Oppression's rising tide 

Were patriots to the core. 
Their valiant deeds in Freedom's name 
Have brought to them a priceless fame 

That rings from shore to shore. 

Their graves we garland with fair flowers 
That grew amid the sylvan bowers 

Where they in childhood played. 
And as we kneel, the soft drum beat 
Recalls us from the quiet retreat 

In which we humbly prayed. 

God bless these noble-hearted men, 
And keep their memory in our ken. 

To guide our steps alway. 
The golden glories that they've won 
Are brighter than the rising sun 

That ushers in the day. 
61 



Bunker Hill {Perry Pictures) 
62 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

BUNKER HILL 
June 17 

What vivid thoughts impress the miind ! 

And how the heart doth thrill! 
When Time recalls the dauntless deeds 

That hallow Bunker Hill. 

Oh, for the heart of Prescott brave! 

For Warren's noble zeal ! 
What patriot hre inspired these men 

To face the Tyrant's steel ! 

In spite of British shot and shell 
For hours the contest sped, 

Till many a gallant colonist 

Was numbered with the dead. 

Though humbled by superior force 

In that momentous fight, 
That feat proclaimed to freemen brave 
■ The mastery of their might. 

63 




The Ideal Teacher (Plockhorst) 
64 



VERSES FOR YARIOUS OCCASIONS 



THE IDEAL TEACHER 

O would that my tongue could utter 

A melody half as sweet 
As the words that fell from the Saviour 

When the children knelt at His feet ! 

He taught them in ways so striking 
With a vision beyond compare, 

That the children were wrapt in attention 
Like an angel choir at prayer. 

For His thoughts did fairly sparkle 
Like the splendent morning dew, 

And lighted the minds of the children 

And thrilled their young hearts anew. 

Then they looked in the face of Jesus 

And read a message there 
That told them the true course to heaven 

Was the pathway of labor and prayer.. 



65 




Making the Way of the Cross 
66 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

PENITENTIAL THOUGHTS 

When the Winter of Life has surrounded my 
heart, 

And the warm blood of youth has all fled, 
I will hie to a spot in the desert apart 

To think of the life I have led. 

I will visit in fancy the Golgotha shrine 
To winnow the gold from the dross, 

And I'll open my heart to the God-man divine 
Who suffered and died on the Cross. 

I will watch by His tomb till the morn sets in 
When Jesus arose from the dead; 

And ril leave in His grave every vestige of sin 
To which my young life has been wed. 

And thus when the tears of repentance o'erflow, 
And the deep pangs of sorrow depart, 

My soul will be thrilled with a heavenly glow, 
And God's joy will enter my heart. 
67 















A Sisters Best P^ienu 



6S 



TEESES FOR TARIOUS OCCASIOyS 



THE TEACHER'S PRAYER 

I do not crave celestial tire 

To kindle hearts of youth : 
I only ask the gift divine 

To lead my class to Truth. 

To lead them through School's devious way 

To see them grow apace 
Along the path where Wisdom stands 

And doles out heavenly grace. 

I pray to fashion their young minds 

To know and do their part : 
I seek to see them drawing near 

Unto the Sacred Heart. 

Great Teacher, list unto my prayer! 

Oh. hearken to my plea ! 
IMy very heart's desire is this : 

To lead them nearer Thee. 




Grotto of Our 'Lu\Di' of Lourdes 



This impressive grotto is located in the woodland of 
Nazareth Academy, La Grange, 111. It is constructed entirely 
of Tufa Stone, and is about thirty feet high, forty-three feet 
wide, and twenty-two feet deep. The statue of Our Lady of 
Lourdes is made of Orbronze and stands six feet high. 
This devotional grotto contains a cave capable of accommo- 
dating twenty persons. In this cave there is an altar at 
which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass can be offered. The 
entire grotto is lighted by electricity. 



70 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



A WOODLAND SHRINE 

At a quiet rustic shrine 

Where the trees intertwine 
And the fragrance of flowers fills the air, 

To a lily-w^hite queen 

With a diadem of green 
I once chanted a love-inspired prayer. 

As I knelt there alone 

On a priedieu of stone, 
The songbirds were lilting a lay 

With such delicate art. 

That it entered the heart 
Of my Mother, the Queen of the May. 

In that moment of grace, 

In that picturesque place, 
I forgot all the cares of the day; 

And my soul, like a dove, 

Bore a message of love 
To my Mother, the Queen of the May. 
71 




The Call of Death 



7'2 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH 

While serving at her humble post, 

Her generous heart aflame with love, 

The hand of Death like lightning came 
And raised her soul to realms above. 

Her master-mind no more will lead 

Christ's little ones with wondrous art; 

Her voice no more will strike those chords 
That vibrate in each youthful heart. 

The noble deeds of her brief Hfe 
A monument sublime shall be ; 

The thought of her shall give us hope 
To serve our Lord more faithfully. 



73 







A June Scene 
74 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



A DAY IN JUNE 

At the break of the day, 
When the birds' roundelay 
Coursed along on the ambient air, 
A faint sound came to me 
Pilled with Love's ecstasy, 
Like the tone of an angelic prayer. 

The low murmuring trees. 

The soft hum of the bees, 
And the rays of the sun's golden sheen. 

In a spirit of glee. 

Bore a message to me 
As I rested in slumber serene. 

I awoke with a sigh, 
But the Sun in the sky 

Called me forth into Nature's domain. 
Where a vision so bright 
Filled my heart with delight 

And my soul with a prayerful refrain. 

75 




Calvary (Munkacsy) 
76 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 



CALVARY 

A tragic scene brings sadness to my heart : 

behold the Saviour ^ stretched upon the 

ground ! 
List to the crowd and hear the hammer's 
sound ! 
The monster spikes have torn His flesh. I start, 
And cry aloud, "Has MaHce done its part?" 

The Cross is raised. The bleeding Saviour 

bound 
Speaks no complaining word, but looks 
around 
And sees the motley crowd preparing to depart. 

Thrice wondrous act of love divine! You thrill 

The very fibers of my inmost heart. 

O deed of deeds ! Give me the light to see 
How wise it is to do God's holy will. 

And never let my thoughts, dear Lord, de- 
part 

From thinking of the Cross of Calvary. 

77 




The Resurrection (Ploc'kTiorst) 

78 



VERSES FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

SORROW CHANGES TO JOY 

My heart last eve 

\\'as wont to grieve 
A most appalling mystery; 

For Sorrow's gloom 

Was in the tomb 
Where slept the Lord in ecstasy. 

So passing strange, 

A lightning change 
Descended on the Saviour's cell; 

Where Sorrow stood 

In plaintive mood 
Triumphant Joy had come to dwell. 

Let Music ring 

Let Voices sing 
In dulcet tones from shore to shore; 

For Christ the Lord 

With Heaven's accord 
Has conquered Death forevermore. 
79 



W 13 














♦^■"^ 




r WERT 
BOOKBINDtNC 

I Crantville, Pa 
Nov Dec 1988 

i*e 'f Ootlif, Bounc 



